Summer Cafe

Quay Brae, Portree IV51 9DB, United Kingdom
+44 7810 660735
$$$ Cafe
(52 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Summer Cafe on Quay Brae is a small, welcoming spot that fits naturally into the laid-back pace of Portree's harbor life. With limited indoor seating and a few thoughtfully curated art pieces, the cafe feels like a quiet nook where locals and visitors alike can take a moment away from the bustle of the waterfront.

Many come here for the coffee — the lattes and flat whites tend to get a nod for their smooth texture and balanced flavors, making Summer Cafe a dependable stop for a morning caffeine boost or a midday pause. Its modest size and the warmth from the staff — including the proprietors Sarah and John — give the place a familiar, neighborhood vibe that feels more like two friends running a kitchen than a commercial operation.

The food leans toward straightforward but well-executed sandwiches and simple bakes, with a particular focus on focaccia bread. Several visitors have found the focaccia sandwiches especially memorable, using them both for a quick breakfast or a sustaining lunch after a morning walk around town. One popular option involves interesting flavor combinations like black pudding or chickpea coronation, which offer a taste of local Scottish fare with a twist. It’s the kind of menu that invites leisurely sampling over multiple visits, making it a good choice for anyone staying in Portree a few days.

Summer Cafe molds itself into the rhythm of small-town life here — a spot to grab a reliably good coffee and bite while absorbing the gentle energy of the harbor. Early mornings and late mornings seem best, as the cafe fills with quiet regulars before the midday tourist crowd rolls in. The mix of locals, day-trippers arriving by ferry, and those wandering the nearby quayside ensures a low-key but quietly dynamic atmosphere.

Practical touches like an available restroom add to its appeal as a convenient stop, especially for travelers who might be moving through Portree in short bursts. If you find yourself in the area craving something simple but satisfying, with a side of genuine hospitality, Summer Cafe fits nicely into a day spent exploring this part of the Highlands.

What they serve
Coffee
Best for
Dessert

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

52 Reviews
Beril Akyol

09 Jan 2026

Wow, these focaccia sandwiches are so good! The sweet treats looked amazing as well… I wish I could go weekly or at least monthly to try it all.

Y T

05 Jan 2026

We visited this cosy cafe in the morning for a cup of coffee. The warm service and exotic condiments and art pieces make it a great pitstop. The latte and flat white are smooth, making it a perfect choice for a quick coffee break.

Masha Kaznachey

01 Dec 2025

Place like Summer Cafe makes you wish you were a local regular. I was in town via ship for a few hours and had to make sure I stop twice during my visit. My cortado was incredible and the egg sandwich with black pudding sustained me for the entire day. Great service and cool vibes. Must visit while in Portree.

Vivian Anne

10 Nov 2025

Excellent focaccia sandwiches. I had the coronation chickpea sandwich and it was delicious. There are also coffee drinks and baked goods but I didn't try them. Definitely worth a stop just for the sandwich alone. Small amount of seating, toilet available, and friendly staff.

Madeline Casey

06 Nov 2025

I rarely write reviews, but I love this place. The food is excellent and the proprietors, Sarah and John, could not be more lovely. I stopped in for a quick lunch- a delicious soup with local sourdough- and enjoyed it so much I came back the next day for breakfast. For breakfast my husband and I had two perfect flat whites, an egg sandwich on fluffy focaccia with cucumber and chili crisp and a chai sticky bun. Days later, I’m getting hungry all over again thinking about it. If you’re looking for an elevated quick bite in town, look no further. I can’t imagine anything Summer Cafe has would be less than perfection.

Sophie Lo Curto

28 Oct 2025

Adorable little spot with friendly staff and the best coffee we’ve had on Skye! They also have a unique choice of sweet treats. My boyfriend had the caramel gochujang cookie which he said was great. See photo of outside as tucked away a bit!

Zoe Cooke

04 Oct 2025

The BEST sandwich of our life!! It’s very hard to find places that will make things vegan on request that are actually good! They were made by John, it was packed with deliciousness and the whole vibe of the coffee shop was lush, 10/10 would recommend for everyone but especially if you’re looking for a good vegan alternative!

Fiona Bassett

02 Oct 2025

Had a lovely experience at Summer today. It’s easy to miss so make sure you look for it by the harbour stairs when you visit Skye. We’ve never had a broccoli sandwich before and honestly, it was one of the best sandwiches we’ve ever had. Good size menu for veggie and meat eaters. The focaccia is incredible, staff are lovely and the coffee is great. They’re the same people that run Skye Adventures as well so make sure you look into that too. Great cafe!

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